Range Rover Evoque

Range Rovers’ stunning Evoque has finally made its global debut at this year’s Paris Motor Show, and what a looker it is.

The Evoque is the smallest, lightest, and most fuel efficient SUV that the Range Rover brand has ever produced and if priced competitively, notwithstanding its unique styling and prestige badge, the order books will be running hot.

While there has always been a reasonable skew of females behind the wheel of various Land Rover models, including Discovery, Range Rover and Freelander, the Evoque is expected to attract up to 50 percent female buyers to the brand.

Based on a fully re-engineered Freelander 2 platform (43cm shorter & 17cm lower) than the Ranger Rover Sport), the Range Rover Evoque will be available in both two and four-wheel drive versions, while the greenest model variant, the front-wheel drive 2.2-litre turbocharged engine, produces less than 130g/km of C02 emissions.

Other powertrains will include two updated versions of the 2.2-litre turbodiesel units, producing 147 kW and 187 kW of power.

Apart from being built from lightweight materials, the premium model variants will also be available with a full size panoramic sunroof, as well as, many features from the model’s more upmarket Range Rover siblings.

For example, there’s an intuitive control dial with a touch screen display as well as dual-view technology, which allows the passenger to watch a movie while the driver follows a route on the SatNav.

There’s also bluetooth connectivity and audio streaming from your iPod/iPhone and the sound system is by audio specialist, Meridian, who offer an 825W, 17 speaker system for the ultimate surround sound experience.

Customers who need off-road capability can choose the full-time four-wheel drive system, which is further enhanced with the latest edition of Land Rover’s extraordinarily capable Terrain Response system.

Buyers will choose from three trim levels, being the base model ‘Pure’, the luxurious ‘Prestige’ with full leather and 19-inch wheels, and the ‘Dynamic’ with 20-inch wheels, sports seats and contrasting roof and spoiler colours.

There will also be a five-door version of the Evoque available, which is expected to make its first appearance at the Los Angeles Motor Show in November.

While pricing and availability for Australia are unknown at this stage, UK and Europe prices will start from £30,000 & €35,000 respectively.